Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that leaves you disappointed at the dinner table? Prepare to revolutionize your cooking with this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast recipe that promises to transform ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece! In just 35 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's so simple, even beginner cooks can nail it perfectly every single time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that's bursting with flavor, incredibly tender, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well to ensure the garlic and thyme are evenly distributed throughout the butter.
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
- Using a brush or spoon, generously coat each chicken breast with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to cover the top and sides of the chicken for maximum flavor.
- If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper on top of the chicken for added seasoning.
- Once the chicken is well coated, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Halfway through the cooking time, you may want to spoon some of the melted garlic butter from the bottom of the baking dish over the chicken breasts to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy chicken.
- Serve the garlic butter baked chicken breasts warm, drizzled with any remaining garlic butter from the baking dish. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This prevents overcooking while guaranteeing food safety.
- Butter Matters: Use high-quality butter for the most rich and delicious flavor. If possible, opt for unsalted butter so you can control the salt level.
- Garlic Hack: For an even more intense garlic flavor, use freshly minced garlic instead of pre-chopped. The difference in taste is remarkable!
- Moisture Preservation: Baste the chicken halfway through cooking with the garlic butter from the pan to keep the meat incredibly juicy and flavorful.
- Let It Rest: Never skip the 5-minute resting period after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and delectable.
- Customization Option: Feel free to add additional herbs like rosemary or parsley for extra depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the garlic butter mixture and coat the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, making this a perfect meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg
